Ecuador Travel

Cotopaxi & Pasochoa

Cotopaxi & Pasochoa

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Overview

Located approximately 30 kilometers south of Quito, Pasochoa is a pretty biological reserve that makes for a pleasant day trip. Pasochoa itself is an extinct volcano, that at 4200 meters is a nice location for a high altitude day hike or a longer trekking trip to Cotopaxi Volcano. It is set in a delightful biological reserve that provides many interesting opportunities for the nature lover and hiker. Pasochoa has a giant crater, that collapsed in the last eruption of the volcano, but actually the volcano is extinct. The crater is heavily vegetated.

Some people enjoy a day hike or climb to the top of this volcano. The ascent can be considered to be either a hike or a climb, but it basically consists of a walk up followed by a rock scramble close to the top. The peak stands at 4199 meters and it is frequently climbed by those wanting to acclimatize themselves ready for the Cotopaxi climb. The climb itself can be commenced from two different points. One of this is via the Refugio de Vida Silvestre (the wildlife reserve itself) while the other goes via the Central Hidroeléctrica. The latter is easier, but the scenery is less interesting, so the former is recommended.

Taking the trip from the Refugio, once the hiker reaches 3,950 meters, they will come face to face with a rock wall, which can be ascended carefully, by scrambling. However, the rock is not very stable. Hikers and climbers should be aware of the risks that they are taking if they attempt this without the proper equipment and with no guide. A guide is recommended when taking this route. For this reason, some will prefer the Central Hidroeléctrica route.

One of the advantages of hiking or climbing in the Pasochoa reserve, is the proximity of this protected area to Quito, and the ease and low cost of getting there via public transport. Once there, there are a number of different, pretty trails laid out for the visitor. Some of them are tougher, for those who want to climb to the summit. Others are anywhere from an hour to a few hours and most including hiking through the cloud forest in the area. Since Pasochoa is a wildlife reserve, there is a significant volume of interesting flora and fauna for the visitor to observe, and if they are really lucky, to photograph.

Highlights

Hiking – in the Pasochoa biological volcano reserve, it is possible to hike around numerous different trails that the reserve has marked. There are short, easy trails for those who do not want anything very challenging, or who are short of time, and there are also longer routes for those who are more physically fit and who want to explore the area further.

Climbing – it is possible to hike to the top of the Pasochoa volcano itself. This is sometimes considered to be a hike and sometimes a climb. The trip does not require technical equipment, though there is some rock scrambling at the end of the climb. The hike up to the rock scrambling area is steep in places and requires some level of fitness to achieve it. This is a popular climb for those who are beginning to acclimatize for their Cotopaxi summit.

Countryside views – the Pasochoa biological reserve covers a significant area, and on reaching the top of the mountain, or even close to it, it is possible to get excellent views of the surrounding countryside. On a clear day, it is possible to see Cotopaxi, Ecuador’s highest active volcano. The countryside encompasses forested areas at the lower levels, while higher up, the landscape is mainly paramo grasses.

Birdwatching, flora and fauna – this protected area has the title of “biological reserve” with good reason. The area is home to a significant volume of plant and animal life. There are a few different ecological zones, each supporting different types of wildlife and plants. In the paramo, it might be possible to see animals such as tapir. Further down in the forests, a variety of birdlife exists.

Camping – taking a tent and camping in the vicinity of the Pasochoa volcano biological reserve provides for some excellent opportunities to experience the countryside up close. Staying overnight in this way allows for a camping experience that is somewhat off the beaten path. Travelers choosing this option should be sure to take warm clothes, as it can get cold here at night.

Photography – this biological reserve is a good place for budding or experienced photographers to head, to get some varied shots. With a large volume of bird and animal life, a diversity of fauna, and some simply spectacular scenery, Pasochoa has a lot of subjects to keep the photographer busy.

Getting there

The best way to get to the Pasochoa wildlife reserve is to head to the El Trebol bus terminal in Quito. This is located in a crossroad traffic interchange moving westward from the Centro Historico. It is possible to get there by bus at a cost of $0.25. Many buses go to this terminal, and they will usually display this information on the front of the bus, as well as announcing it along the route. A taxi to El Trebol from the Mariscal part of town will usually cost approximately $3.

From El Trebol, probably the easiest way to get to the reserve is to first take a bus to Amaguaña. This journey will take from an hour to 90 minutes. From the center of Amaguaña, it is possible to find camionetas (pickups) that are willing to take visitors to the reserve. This will usually cost anything from $10 to $15, depending on the number of people that are in the party. The journey is taken by travelers sitting in the open air, in the back of the truck. The journey is about 20 minutes from here and the road is a bit bumpy in the back of the truck.

There is a cost to get into the reserve of approximately $2 for nationals and $7 for foreigners. Trails are marked out on a map at the caretaker’s hut.
An alternative option for getting to the Pasochoa reserve is to hire the services of a guide who can drive there and also guide visitors up the mountain.